You’ve probably seen this fluffy ball all around social media. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with this cute creature? Its real name is the Pallas’s cat or manul in Mongolian language. 

But what is so unique about it?
A Pallas’s cat is typically the size of a domestic house cat but what makes them look bigger is their thick fur. Its facial expressions made it viral on social media with the nickname “the grumpy cat”. The colour of their fur changes depending on the season. More greyish to yellow colour of their fur, black markings and white dots of their bushy tails and face make them one-of-a- kind species. Their eyes are very round and yellow, whereas their ears are round, short and set low to their head.

Where does this wild cat live and how does it adapt to its habitat?
Surprisingly, the Pallas’s cat inhabits the remote steppes and mountain ranges of Central Asia including Mongolia, Russia and parts of China where the temperatures can go below zero. Adapted to the harsh environments, its thick fur helps it endure the freezing temperatures by providing insulation against the chill. Furthermore, its short legs and broad body allow it to move easily through tall grass and rocky paths, while its thick, bushy tail helps to keep their paws warm by standing on it. Isn’t it such a unique and clever behavior?

Pallas’s cat hunting techniques
Pallas’s cats are naturally nocturnal animals and spend the day in caves, rock stones, or burrows, where in the late afternoon they begin a night of hunting. However, they are likely day active as their prey is active during the daytime. The Pallas’s cat uses ambush tactics unlike other big cats. They hunt by stalking or creeping up on prey, as their short legs do not allow them to run well. 

The Pallas’s cat feeds on pikas, gerbils, voles, mouse-like rodents. One of the most interesting behaviors is its tendency to show low-energy, slow movements when hunting. This is an adaptation to save energy in the harsh conditions of its environment. The cat will often use its thick coat to blend into its surroundings, making it almost invisible to both its prey and predators alike.

Threats and predators to the Pallas’s cat
Known predators of Pallas’s cats are foxes, wolves, and large birds like eagles. Humans have also been known to hunt the species for fur or body parts, especially in Mongolia, where there is a belief that they have medicinal value. The Pallas’s cat faces many threats but the main ones are mostly caused by human activity like destruction of habitat, accidental capture and dog predation. Another major threat for the species is prey loss as pika and small rodent populations have been targeted by large-scale pest control. Climate change may also impact the ecosystems in which the species lives and the ability to maintain healthy breeding seasons.

The Pallas’s cat is a very special and important species that brings so much to the ecosystem of Central Asia. Its nature, unique appearance, and remarkable hunting techniques make it an amazing subject of study for many scientists. It is very important for us to protect this species from any danger and make the population of Pallas’s cats grow. With proper care and protection we can allow many future generations to observe and appreciate this skilled little predator.

Lara Mihajlovikj

Sources:
https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/pallas-cat-guide-facts
https://pallascats.org/species-information/
https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/eurasia/pallas-cat/
https://www.columbuszoo.org/animals/pallas-cat
https://felidaefund.org/learn/cats/pallas-cat